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OPA News Release: [02/14/2002]
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Job Corps Students Train Under Shadow of Olympic Flame

SALT LAKE CITY –The Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City are showcasing the world’s greatest athletes, but another group, not usually associated with gold medals, is having its opportunity to shine through a unique, behind-the-scenes role.

“The true spirit of the American people can be seen at the Utah Olympics. Americans have come together to volunteer their time and hard work to ensure the success of the games,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao said. “More than 350 students from two Job Corps centers are working in jobs that support the games, jobs that give them the opportunity for hands on experience in the areas of their training and the thrill of experiencing a major international event.”

60 culinary arts students are helping out in the kitchens at two Salt Lake City Marriotts; 25 students are on security detail; dozens of others are doing carpentry and electrical work at various locations; graphic design students are making banners. Other students are directing traffic at parking lots for media, families of the athletes and spectators. One Job Corps student danced in the opening ceremony.

The Job Corps is a federally funded training program for young people who have had a hard time getting a foothold on adult life. Most are high school dropouts, often troubled teenagers and young adults, who are getting focused and gaining confidence through their Job Corps training.

“They’ve been training with Olympic staff, getting accredited, and now they have their official Olympic uniforms,” Ronald Archer, director of the Weber Basin Job Corps Center, said. “You can just see them swell with pride to be participating in this big event. You can bet those uniforms will be treasured for a long time.” Students from Weber Basin and the Clearfield, Utah, centers are participating.

“It’s a joy to see their confidence grow as the games continue,” Dean Hoffman, director of the Clearfield center said. “They’re all winners. They’ll know what it feels like to take home the gold.”

The games continue through February 24.

For more information, please go to http://www.doleta.gov

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